Friction clutch



Aug. 6, 1940. J. N. KIEP ET AL FRICTION CLUTCH Filed Nov. 25, 1939 3 Sheets-$heet l a a s a 7 II 4 4 I 2 m M W. M a I 6 0 9 2 m$ MM 3 jwu a 7/////// J 0 1mm f x Z Aug. 6, 1940. J. N. KIEP El AL '2.21o,416

FRICTION cwwcfi- Filed Nov. 25, 1939 '3 Sheets-Sheet 3 6 Maw #w Patented Aug. 6, 1940 UNITED "sr Tss PATENT OFFICE Y 2.210.418 FRICTION cw'ron Johann Nikolaus men. Hamburg-Hochkamn. Germany, and. Hamid Sinclair, Remington;

' London,

Application November zs, 1m; Serial No. 3063144 InGreat Britain November 16, 1938 accl im. (o1. m-ss This invention relates to rotary clutches which engage automatically when'the driving element is accelerated. a I v a 1 An object of thisinvention is' to provide an ,5 improved friction clutch of the kind in which the engaging pressure on the co-operatlngfriciion. elements is generated by centrifugal force exerted by a body of liquid rotating. co-axiallywith the clutch elements;

' Mother object a. o' r v de a clutchof-this kind which isself-contained, and which is provided with improved control means which eliminate risk of excessive slip to which centrifugal. clutches are usually liable at their engaging speeds.

Another object is to .provide a centrifugal clutch.

which is completely disengaged until its driving element attains nearly its .speed, whereupon the clutch-engages progressively up to the fully engaged condition, this arrangement being especially suitable for-use as an automatic starting clutch for electric motors, in particular single-phase machines which have a weak starting torque.

.According to this invention, 'a clutch of the as kind hereinbefore set forthcomprises a rotary centrifugal pressure chamber-for containing the of liquid I whichgenerates the engaging pressure, a rotary reservoir. chamber, a drain passage which. is adapted to discharge liquid underv the influence of centrifugal'force from said pressure chamber 'to' said reservoir chamber, and

- scooping means fon returning liquid from said reservoir chamber to said pressure chamber.

The drain passage may be so positioned that liquid in drainingthrough it is adapted to abstractheat from. the cooperating frictionele- 'rnents of the clutch.

The scooping means may be displaceable or provided with acontrollable or automatic valve.

whereby theflow of liquid from the reservoir chamber to the pressure chamber can be regulated. i 7

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description -A.further object is to provide such'a than. gal clutch which normally operates automatically,

of three embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Fig.1 is a diagrammatic sectional side elevation of the upper half of-a clutch suitable for auto- .motive vehicles, 5

Fig. 2 is a sectional side elevation of a starting clutch for an electric'motor; taken von the line 2-'-.2inFlg.8, r

3 is a section taken approximately onthe lineHinFig.2,

Fig. 4 is a section of a detail, taken 'on'thelin'e |-4inI"ig.2,and'

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic sectional side elevation of part of another example of starting clutch.

In the example shown in-Flg. .1 the driving 15 clutch part includes a pressure chamber l0" and areservoir-chamber H contained within drums l1 and II which are flanged together at their outer periphery. Both drums l2 and 13 are preferably of aluminum or magnesium alloy or 20 7 any suitable material of high heat conductivity and may each be provided with external cooling fins I4 and ,I! for augmenting the transfer of heat from their walls to the atmosphere. The pressure chamber drum I2 is to an engine 25 flywheel I 6 by means of screws engaging in lugs l,'l projecting from .its outer surface and a boss 18 spigoted in a locating hole I! in the centre of the flywheel It. The boss it houses a ball bearing 20 indirectly supporting the driven clutch shaft '30 2|; The forward wall of the drum 1! may be provided with internal ribs 22 for assisting the J setting in rotation of the liquid therein and the transfer of heat from the "liquid toitswalls and 'thusto the atmosphere."-

: The reservoir chambe I3 is of deeper section at its outer periphery than the pressure chamber drum, so that when rotating it can accommodate "the whole or at least the greater part.of the liquid from the pressure chamber in the formof a rol tating ring. the inner diameter of which is equal to or greater'th'an the external diameter of the driven friction plates. Between the drums i2 -andj3 is clamped a ring 23 which projects into their interior and which is provided with axial 45 grooves 24 on its inner periphery. This ring forms the 'driving carrier for the driving friction plates 25 which are flat rings" provided with axial splines at their outer edges which engage in the so grooves 24. Together with and behind the ring 23 is also clamped between the drums l2 and. It

a driving abutment plate 26, provided with small axial drain hols 21 disposed at substantially the sameradlus as the grooves 14 of the driving car- 5 rier ring and leading from the pressure chamber In to the reservoir chamber H.

The driven clutch part includes driven friction plates 28.which interlace with the driving plates and which are fiat rings provided with axial splines at their inner edge. These engage in grooves 29 formed in the outer edge of a grooved ring 30 which forms the driven carrier and which is rigid with a driven-pressure plate 3 I The parts 30 and 3i are fixed in a fluid-tight manner to an annular driven disk 32. The driven friction plates 28 and 3|, the driven carrier ring 30 and the driven disk 32 together. form the rear wall of the pressure chamber III and thus the partition between this 'and the reservoir chamber The driven disk 32'is fixed to a hub 33 which is splined to and axially slidable on a sleeve 34. The rear end of the sleeve 34 has an integral collar 35 and is splined to the driven shaft 2|. The forward end of the sleeve 34 is attached to the inner race of the'ball bearing 20, which is preferably of the deep-grooved type in order to ential groov flin the periphery from the reservoir to the a distance sumcient to be able to take up axial thrust. Between the rear end of the hub 33 and the .collar 35 there is a helical spring 36 which tends 'to force the hub 33 against a ring -31 clamped with the inner race of the ball bearing 20 and to keep the clutch disengaged; The spring 36 is so dimensioned that disengagement takes place when,-- owing to a low speed of rotation of the driving clutch part, the centrifugal liquid pressure in the pressure chamber I0 is insuflicient to overcome the spring force. The hub 33 carries a thrust-ball bearing. 38, and around this an annular conical ring 39v is fixed to the driven disk 32. This ring serves as a collecting chamber for the liquid passing pressure chamber and delivers this to the latter by holes such as 40 in the driven disk.

Transfer of the liquid from the reservoir to the the stored energy of the liquid ring rotating inside and together with the reservoir chamber. The liquid transfer means are mounted on a fixed clutch part and include one or more radially pro- Jecting scoop tubes such as 4| The mouth of the scoop tube is accommodated in a .circumferof the reservoir drum. It inner end projects into the collecting cone 39 at a radius substantially equal to the mean radius of the thrust ball bearing 38 and at permit free flow from the tube between the tube end and the rear face of the ball race.

The total scoop tube area is such that, when the driving clutch part is rotating, the scoop tube can deliver not only more liquid to the collecting cone and thus to the pressure chamber l0 than flows from this chamber to the reservoir chamber H through the drain holes 21, but also any liquid which during engagement of the clutch may escape by other means from berto the reservoir chamber.

.The'inner end of the scoop tube is fixed to an internally screw-threaded control sleeve 43 whihh passes through a labyrinth gland 44 in the centre of the drum l3.- The control sleeve is engaged on a fixed externally screw-threaded carrier 45 and is provided with a control lever 46. When the control sleeve is suitably turnedoy the lever 46, the scoop tube 4| is moved axially forward and its flattened dischargeend comes in contact with and is closed by the ball bearing 33. Where only one scoop tube is provided, the control sleeve the pressure chain ber to be interrupted and then axial displacement of the driven disk hub 33 and thus disen gagement of the clutch.

This example operates as follows. When the control lever 46 is in the position shown in Fig. 1, the sleeve 43 being in its rearmost position, and when the engine is running, the scoop tube 4| picks up liquidfrom the reservoir chamber I I and discharges it within the cone 39, whence it passes through the holes 44 into the pressure chamber l0. Since the flow of liquid delivered by the scoop exceeds the discharge through the drain holes 21, the pressure chamber I0 fills with'liquid which, under the influence of centrifugal force, urges the disk 32 to the rear. Thus, when the engine speed is high enough, the pressure due to the liquid overcomes the force exerted by the disengaging spring 36 and engages the clutch automatically. When the engine speed falls below a critical value, the pressure due to the liquid becomes less than the spring pressure and the clutch disengages automatically. When the control lever is so set that the clutch operates automatically, there is a continuous flow of liquid from the reservoir chamber through the scoop to the pressure chamber, and thence past the friction plates and through the drain holes 21 back to the reservoir chamber. liquid flows over the ribbed walls of the drums I2 and I3, it gives off these parts the heat generated at the friction surfaces.

The clutch can be disengaged, when the engine speed is high, by "actuating the control lever 48 so as to displace the control sleeve 43 axially forwards, until the discharge end of the scoop tube 4| engages the ball bearing 38, which interrupts the flow of liquid to the pressure chamber. If it is desired to disengage the clutch more quickly than itwould disengage in consequence of the escape oi liquid through the. drain holes 21, the .control lever 46 can be actuated further so as to cause the discharge \end of the scoop tube to displace the driven hub 33 axially forwards against the force of the liquid in the pressure chamber.

As operating liquid there may be employed a lubricating oil, or-a heavier liquid, for example glycerine, or the liquid supplied by the Monsanto Chemical Company under the trade-mark Aroclor.

Figs. 2.and 3 show an automatic starting clutch for use for example with alternating-current elec- Since the circulating 35 tric motors of the kind which requires the attainment of nearly full speed before any substantial load is applied. In this example the scooping action is automatically delayed until the driving part of the clutch has accelerated to a predetermined speed.

On the motor shaft 50 is fixed a cast-iron hub 52 which is forced on the shaft and constrained to rotate therewith by a key 5! A pulley 53 is journalled on the hub 52 by bushes 54. In the boss 55 of the pulley are fixed a plurality of driving pins, such as 56, on which is slidably fitted a driven friction plate 51. The hub 52 is provided with a driving flange 58 having at its periphery a cylindrical flange 59. ,An annular driving plate 80 .is fixed against the rim by screws such as 6| engaging in a cast-iron reservoir rim 62. The rini I9 is zapped in way of the screws 4|, as at 88, and the gaps 88 accommodate radially slotted projections 84 on a presser plate 88, the projections 84 embracing the screws 8|. Helical springs 88 mounted on the screws 8| are compressed between theplatestll and 85 and tend to keep the clutch disengaged. 4

The pressurechamber' comprises an annular flexible bag 81; made forexample of rubberized fabric (such as is employed for landing brakes'oi aircraft) and accommodated between the driving flange 58 and the presser plate 85, a shield ring .88 or heat-insulating material being interposed between the bag 81 and the plate 85. One or p tween the channel 18 and the nipples 88- and I which form a portion of the pressure chamber. A small drain hole 15 is formed in.the plate 1| at the outer end of each indentation 14, and the eflective area of this drain can be regulated by .a

needle 15A- extending from an adjusting screw 15]; which is engaged in a reservoir end wall 84 and locked by a nut 156. There may be provided a larger hdle 18 at any desired positionalong the indentation/14, which position determines the centrifugal head of the liquid in the pressure chamber. I

A shaft extension 11 is screwed to the end of the hub 58 at 18 andiorms a bearing for a cast-. iron scoop housing 18- which is provided with an oil-less bush and which is prevented from rotating bya link 88 attached at 8|, to the motor bed plate. vThe housing 18 is located axially by a washer 82 retained by a lubricating nipple 88. The reservoir end wall 84 is secured by screws, such as 84A to the ring 82 .and is sealed with respect to the housing 18- by. a labyrinth gland including an annular disk 85 fixed. to-the ho ing and accommodated within a tubular baiiie 88 flxedto the inner side of the wall 84. The tubular balile is extended by a tubular cap 88A fixed on the outer side of the .wall 84; which is perforated by drain holes, such as 81 adjacent to the tubular baflle. r

A scoop-tube boss 88 is accommodated in a transverse channel 88 formed in the housing 18 and is flxed to a control pin '88 journalled in the housing and in turn flxedt-o a. control lever 8|. The scoop tube 82 communicates through the hollow boss 88 with a port 83 in the front of the housing 18 and leading to the collector channel 18. The mouth 84 of the scoop tube is adapted to lie in-a circumferential channel 85 in. the

interior ofrthe reservoir ring 82. The scoop tube is provided with adrag lug 88 which is also' adapted to lie in-the channel 85. The scoop-tube boss 88 is provided with a stop arm 81 (Fig. 4) on which is mounted a cushioning member, tok- 88, as the mouth ot the scoop'tube attains its radially outermost position shown in full lines in Fig. 3 (hereinaftertermed the "operative posi-' tion) when being displaced in the same direction as the direction of rotation of the ring Q2. One

end of a tension control spring 88 is pivotally connected tothe control arm 8|, its other end being connected to an anchorage'lug I88 mounted 1 the scoop tube on the housing 18. The spring 88 urges the scoop tube-towards the radially innermost position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3 (hereinafter termed the "inoperative position); and a lug III on the boss 88 by abutting against the base oi the channel 88 prevents the scoop tube from moving further .radially inwards.

The lubricator 88 serves to lubricate the pulley bushes 84, and any lubricant which exudes rrom the bush nearer the flange 88 escapesirom the clutch through'a radial channel A formed in the flange 88. A circumrerentialchannel 88C traps any lubricant that may approach the friction face of the plate." anddelivers it through a port 888 to the channel 85A.

This example, hich, with a pulley diameter or 18 inches, is-suitable for transmitting 25 horsepower at 1458 R. P. M., operates-as follows.

the clutch is assembled, about 1 lbs. of mercury is placed in the reservoir chamber to serve as working liquid. When the motor is i started (the direction r rotationbeing shown by the arrow in Fig. 3), the mercury forms a ring in the channel 88, its inner surface being denoted by I88 in Fig. 3. At iir'st the scoop tube is held by the spring 88 in its inoperative position with its mouth-clear of the liquid and the drag lug 8 8 dipping into the. liquid. Under these conditions .the control arm 8|;lies at a substantial angle to the axis of the control spring 88, so that'the control torque resisting displacement of. the scoop tube has a relatively high value.

When the motor speed attains a suitable value,

for example between 90 and per cent; of the synchronous speed, the-torque imposed on the scoop tube by ,the drag of the liquid on the lug 88 exceedsjthe control torque due to the spring 88, with the result that the scoop'tube is displaced'to its operative position, its mouth becoming immersed in the liquid. The control arm 81 now lies at a considerably reduced angle to the axis of thespring ,88, with the result that the control torque imposed by this spring is reduced to a relatively low value and risk of hunting of the scoop tube is thereby eliminated. As the scoop tube attains its operative position, the butter ring 88 eng es 'the abutment 88A, cushioning the shock dc to e arresting of the scocp tube and thereby avoi grisk of its bending or fracture.

The liquid picked up by the scoop tube passes through the port 88: to the collector channel 18 and thence to the pressure chamber comprising the indentations 14 and the bag 81. The jflect of centrifugal force on the liquid expands the bag '1. torc llsgthepresser plate-85 towards the plate-if'a'nd thereby fully engaging the clutch. Tliereaitefa restricted leakage of liquid from the pressure chamber to the'reservoir chamber occursthrough the holes 18, and the remainder of the flow through the scoopescapes through the holes 18; the liquid level in.the reservoir clxmberunder'these conditions, which is. den ed by, I88, is such that..the mouth 84 of the scoop tube is immersed deeply enough to retain in its operative position.-

When the motor has been switched oil and its speed falls to. a predetermined value lower than that atwhichthe-clutch engaged, the torque due to th'eTorce oi. the liquid impinging on the mouth 84 becomes less than the control torque 'due to the spring 88 and'the scoop tube returns to its inoperative position, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 3 The liquid in the pressure chamber escapesthrough the holes 18, allowing the bag .18

01 to be collapsed by the pressure disengaging springs 66.

This clutch has the following advantages. It

enables the motor to run up almost to full speed without any load, whereupon the scoop tubeis moved with a snap action to its operative posi- 1 tion. The full engaging force on the friction surfaces is now built up at any desired rate, determined by the ratio of the flow capacity of the scoop tube to that of the escape holes. As soon as the circulation conditions reach equilibrium,

the clutch is in condition to transmit its full working torque.

('lonsequently. the slipping that occurs is no more than is necessary to enable the load to be smoothly accelerated. Similarly,

when the motor is switched oiifl'the clutch rapidly and completely disengages, the period of slipping being negligibly short.

The example shown diagrammatically in Fig. 5 is an Aroclorj actuated cone clutch, also suitable for use as an automatic starting clutch for an electric motor. A driving flange H0 is flxed to the motor shaft I l I. A clutch driving conical ring H2 is fixed to the flange IIO by screws such as ll3'engaging in a ring II4. A clutch driven conical member H1 is rigid with a hub I IB-of a pulley us, this hub being rotatable and slidable *the screws II3 encloses the clutch, being sealed on the shaft III. Springs such as I are compressed between the hub II8 and a thrust collar I2I journalled on the shaft'l H and these spring bias the clutch towardsits disengaged condition. -A dished and apertured casing I22 secured by with respect to the hub II8 by a labyrinth gland including a built-up.tube I23A, I23 B having" an internal flange I24 provided with drain ports such as I25 near its periphery. The hub H3 is provided. with a liquid'thrower ring I26 posi-- tioned to discharge into the space between the ,casing I22 and the flange I24. Drain. ports such as I21 pass through the flange H0 and the ring II2 from the outermost part of the space contained by the casing I22, and a restricted drain hole I28 passes through the flange IIO adjacent to the friction surface of the ring II2.

A boss .I29 is journalled on an extension IIIA of the motor shaft and is fixed to a bracket -I30 which prevents ltfrom rotating. A 'scoop tube I3I is fixed to the boss I29 and communicates through an automatic valve with a port' I32 formed in the inner end of 'the boss I29 and opening within a collector cone I33 flxed to the flange IIO. Ports I34 lead from. the interior of this cone to the pressure chamber I35 formed between the flange H0 and the clutch driven memher I". The automatic valve includes a ball I36 accommodated in a cylindrical bqre I31 and 'urged against a seating I38 .by; a wedge I33- which is biased by an adjustable compression spring I40. The shell H5 is sealed with respect to the boss I29 by a' labyrinth gland including a flangeI fixed to the boss I29 and a built-up tubulanportion I4I, I42 containing an internal.

,flange I43 having drain ports such as I44 through: its outer. margin.

This "clutch operates as follows, it being assumed that working liquid'has been inserted intothe reservoir chamber. l ldthrough a filling plug (not shown). a 1

When the motor is started, the springs I20 at flrst keep the clutch disengaged; and the liquid forms in the reservoir chamber a ring into which the scoop tube dips. The valve ball I36 is at first kept on its seat I38 by the wedge I33, so that no liquid is discharged by the scoop tube. When,

-mi -11o of the clutch however, the motor speed attains a suitable high value, the fluid pressure in the scoop tube acting on the area of the ball I39 exposed through the seating I38 exerts a force sufllcient to lift the ball off this seating against the biasing force 'exerted by sprin g I40 on the wedge I39 and against the friction between the wedge and the parts against which it slides. Liquid is thereupon discharged through the narrow clearance space betweenthe ball and the bore I31 and thence through, the port I32 to the cone I33.

The valve isso proportioned that it has a pop action-that is to say, the said clearance space is so restricted that, afterthe ball has been raised from its seating, the fluid pressure, which now acts on the whole projected area of the ball, exerts on it a force substantially exceeding the force exerted by the spring I40 which tends to return it to its seating and which is reduced by the effect of the friction acting between the,

wedge and the parts along which it slides. There is therefore norisk of hunting of the valve.

Liquid discharged by the scoop tube into 'the' cone I33 passes through the ports I34 into the pressure chamber I35 fastenthan liquid can escape from the pressure chamber between the friction surfaces of the clutch parts H2 and II! and throughjhe drain hole I28. Consequently the pressure chamber fills with liquid, the centrifugal force on which causes a fluid'pressure which displaces the clutch driven parts H1, H3 and II9 against the action of the springs I20 into a position such that the friction surfaces of the clutch are engaged together.. The clutch is.

thus fully engaged without any unnecessary slipping. When the motorhas been switched off,

as soonas its speed'falls to a predetermined value, the spring I40 closes the ball valve and interrupts the delivery of liquid by the scoop tube to the pressure chamber, which thereupon empties through the drain hole I23 to the reservoir chamber, so that the clutch rapidly disent centrifugal force from said pressure chamber to said reservoir chamber, and scooping means for returning liquid from said reservoir chamber to said pressure chamber;

2. A rotary friction clutch of the kind in which the engaging pressure on the co-operating friction elements-is generated by centrifugal force exerted. by a body of liquid rotating ,co-axially with the clutch elements,- the clutchfcom'prising a rotary centrifugal pressure chamber for containing the body of liquid which generates the engagingpre'ssure, a rotary reservoir chamber, means for discharging liquid from: said pressure chamber to said reservoir chamber, and speedresponsive liquid-transfer means for discharging liquid from said reservoir chamber to said pressure chamber.

3. A friction clutch comprising a rotary drivr ing element, a rotary driven element, co-operat V ing friction surfaces'on said elements, a rotary pressure chamber capable of deformation under 7 a r 2,210,410 I 5 the influence of centrifugal force acting on. liq- V which, under the influenceof centrifugal force, uid contained'therein to effect engagementofi'- tends to deform said chamber and so enga saidfriction surfaces together,.a reservoir cham- 891d friction ii- 8 et er, a reservoir chamber ber arranged to rotate with'said driving element, arranged to rotate with said driving element and and means mponsive' to the speed of said driving h vin a di e cee i th t f d pr 6 element for transferring liquid from said resersure chamber, ]:here being 'aidrain passage in voir chamber to said-pressure chamber in copthe neighbou hoo f t p phery f s Pr sequence of the rising of said speed to a predetersure chamber and opening tosaidreservoir chamminedvalue. V I her, and scooping meansin'said reservoircha'm- 10 4. A friction clutch comprising a rotary drivbe: for returning liquid therefrom to said pres- 1o ing element, a rotarydrivenelement, co-ope ar sure chamber. ing friction surfaces on said elements/a rotary .'Ae utcncan eo e sa a tom al-- pressure chamber ca able of deformation under, ly in cons uence of the speed of the drivingelethe influence of centrifugal force actingvon iiq- 'g t er 11 8 to a pr tc fllh e,

lo uid contained therein to csect engagement of said clutch a res ch mber ar- 15 said friction surfaces together, a reservoir chumranged to rotate with said driving -element,- a ber arranged to rotate vwith said driving element, non-rotatable suppo t. a sc p tube in sa d ese means for disch rgin liquid from said pressure Iveir ch and 'lo on said sup so chamber to said reservoir chamber,-scooping note be capable of displacement about anvaxis means for engaging liquid in 'said'reservoir chame parallel to the axis of said clutch, a duct leadingm her and transferring it to said pressure chamber, from said scoop tu to a w rki ha be h and means for rendering said scooping means opin! mea M8 8 S 8 b in S c a's n erative and inoperative. a v v I 5. A friction clutch comprising a rotary drivdirection of rotation of the adjacent portion of 26 ing element, arrotaryldriven' element, co-operatsaid reservoir chamber and ing friction surfaces on said elements, arotary the pe phery thereof, a st p limiting su h m v pressure chamber capable of deformation under m i 8mm? 1 D the influence of centrifugal force .acting on liqtively small por o 0! the sco p will en a e uid contained therein, to eifect engagement of ring of liquid in the reservoir chamber when 80 said-friction surfaces'together, areservoir chamsaid drivin element is rotatin said biasing 30 her arrangedto rotate with said driving element, meansaexerting on said scoop a torque'which-ismeans for draining liquid from said pressure equal t t e t rqu du to the en a ementiof i chamber to said reservoir chamber, scooping sa d rin ofliquid on said sma p rt f t meansinsaid reservoir'chamber for'transferring scoop when thespeed of said driving element 86 liquid therefrom to said pressure chamber, m ns has a predetermined .value less than its maxifor disengaging said clutch mechanically, and a mum value, and a cushioned stop for arresting I control member associated with said scooping displacement of said scoop tube in'the sense in means and said disengaging means and capable wh its, lip moves in the normal direction of roon initial operation of-interrupting the transfer tation f th a t P 11 011 0f Said e oi 40 of liquid by said scooping means and on com 1 chamber and radially towards the a tinued operation of actuating said diseng gin thereof, wher by the scoop e w l uise g means. a f liquid to said working chamber and thereby en- 6. A friction clutch comprising a rotary driving 8 8 said hi element having a friction face thereonia driven 0- I n autom t clutch engaged by the 4g element displaceable axially relatively to' said driving element and having a friction face for 00- her to a rotary vvorking I a operating with said first mentioned frictionface, pp 8 9 1 said elements together forming a pressure chamand i urna e on pport about'an axi n ber for containing liquid which, nd th allel to the axis 0 -rotation of said reservoir so fluence of centrifugal force; V v o g in, such a sense as to engage d friction faces operative o jn which lip o 't sco p to ether, means for liquidfrom said ube isa ia e t pe pher o sa d reservoi pressure chamber across said friction faces, and c er a an pe ive p tion in.which means for collecting liquid so discharggd and r said; lip is more remote from said 5 turning it to said pressure chamber. v. A friction clutch comprising a rotary drivsu a ring of liquid in said-Wolf chaming element, arotary driven element, co-o eratber, auto ing friction surfaces on said elements, a rotary from said operative to saidinoperative p o pressure chamber capable of deformation under ahdin Such a se e t its 1 D vg bpp l urges said l t; chamberso as to be displaceablebetween sa .0 the influence of centrifugal force acting on liquid t0 th norm direction of rotation 'of the adia- 00 'contained therein, to effect {engagement of said cent portion of said reservoir chamber and in such friction surfaces together; a reservoir chamber a manner that the torque on said scoop arranged to-rotate with said driving element, said tube by the liquid to displace it from its inopchambers communicating by a drain passage erative position is higher the torque imss for discharging liquid from said pressure champosed by the liquid to retain it in its operative 05 her, a scoop tube in said reservoir chamber, a duct position, anda cushioned stop positioned to arrest for conveying liquid from said scoop tube to said said scoop tube as it attains said operative po- "pressure cham and 'valve meansfor controlsition'. v ling the flow through said duct; 11. A friction clutch comprisinga rotary driv- I 8.'A friction clutch comprising a rotary drlving element havingvan' abutment, an axially Io ing element having an annular friction face theredisplaceahle presser element and an annular on, a driven element axiallydisplaceablerelativeresilient bag disposed between said abutment and lyto said driving element and having an annular said presser element, a rotary driven element friction face thereon, said elements together encapable of being frictionally -axially engag co closing a pressure chamberforcontaining liquid with said driving element on displacement of said 1 presser element, a reservoir chamber for liquid I rotatable with said driving element, a duct disposed at least in part radially outwards with respect to the axis f said elements and leading" from said reservoir chamber to said bag, and

means for transferring liquid from said reservoir chamber to said duct in response to rotation of said driving element.

12. A friction clutch comprising a rotary driving element'having an abutment, an axially displaceable presser element and a pressure chamber comprising an annular resilient bag disposed between said abutment and said presser element and a duct disposed at least in part radially inwards from said bagtowards the axis of said driving element, a driven element capable of being frictionally engaged with said driving element on displacement of said presser element, a reservoir chamber rotatable with said driving element and communicating with the inner end of said duct, the radius of said reservoir chamber exceeding the distance between the radially inner end of said duct and said axis, means for engaging liquid in said reservoir chamber and transferring it to said duct, and mercury contained withinthe enclosed space constituted by said chambers.

13 A frictionclutch comprising a rotary'driving element, a rotary driven element, co-operating friction surfaces on said elements, a rotary pressure chamber capable of deformationunder the influence of centrifugal force acting on liquidcontained therein to efiect engagement of said friction surfaces together, a reservoir chamber arranged to rotate with said driving element,

means for discharging liquid from said pressure chamber to said reservoir chamber, a fixed support penetrating an aperture disposed centrally in the wall of said reservoir chamber, a labyrinth gland sealing said wall with respect to said support at said aperture,. a scoop tube journalled on said support eccentricallywith respect to the axis of said clutch for transferring liquid'to' said pressure chamber, stopsfor limiting displacement of said scoop in inoperative and operative Dositions such that as the scoop moves to its operative position its mouth is displaced in the same direction as the part of a liquid ring in said reservoir that is engaged by said scoop and when said scoop is inoperative a relatively small part thereof is engaged by said liquid ring, and means biasing said scoop towards its inoperative position.

14. In an automatic clutch engaged by the transfer of liquid from a rotaryreservoir chamber to. a rotary working chamber thereof, a nonrotatable support, and a scoop tube in said reservoir and held by said support for engaging liquid in said reservoir chamber during rotation thereof, said scoop tube communicating with said working chamber through a loaded valve set to open under the influence of the fluid pressure due to the scooping action when the speed of said reservoir chamber rises to a predeterminedvalue.

15. In an automatic clutch engaged by the transfer of liquid from a rotary reservoir cham her to arotary working chamber thereof, a nonrotatable support, and a scooptube in said reservoir and held by said support for engaging liquid in said reservoir chamber during rotation thereof, said scoop tube communicating with said working chamber through alsp'ring-loaded valve having a pop characteristics'uch that it will open under the influence of the fluid pressure due to the scooping action at a particular speed of rotation of said reservoi chamber when the liquid content of said reservoir chamber is the maximum and will close only when the fluid pressure has dropped to'a value lower than that existing at the same speed of rotation when the liquid content of said reservoir chamber is the minimum.

16. A clutch comprising a rotary driving element, a deformable pressure chamber bounded at least in part by a wall constrained to rotate with said driving element, a rotary driven element adapted to be frictionally engaged with said driving element, in consequence of deformation ofsaid chamber under the influence of centrifugal force acting on liquid contained therein, a reservoir chamber constrained to rotate with said driving element, said pressure chamber having a port in the neighborhood of the periphery thereof and leading to said reservoir chamber for discharging liquid from the pressure to the reservoir chamber under the influence of centrifugal force; and liquid transfer means for delivering liquidfrom said reservoir chamber to said pressure chamber in response to rotation of said driving element.

' 17. A clutch comprising a rotary driving ele- .sure chamber to said reservoir chamber, and

liquid transfer means in said reservoir chamber which are responsive to the speed of rotation of said driving element and which serve to deliver liquid to said pressure chamber, at a rate exceeding the rate of drainage to said reservoir chamber, only when the speed of said driving element rises to a predetermined value.

18. In combination, .a motor shaft, a clutch driving element constrained to rotate with said shaft, a pulley co-axial with and rotatable'on said shaft, a deformable pressure chamber having at least part of its boundary wall constituted by an element constrained to rotate co-axially with said driving element, a driven element constrained frictionally engaged with said driving-element in response to deformation of said pressure chamber, a reservoir chamber constrained to rotate with said shaft, a support journalled' co-axially with said shaft in said reservoir chamber, means for preventing rotation of said support, and liquid transfer means mounted on said support for engaging liquid in said reservoir chamber and de-' liv'ering itto said pressure chamber in responseto rotation of said shafttg 19. In combination, an electric motpr having a shaft, a rotary driving element constrained to rotate with said shaft, 8. rotaryv driven element, co-operating friction surfaces on said elements,

a rotary pressure chamber capable of deformation under thexinfluen'ce' .oficentrifugal force acting on liquid contained therein to effect engagement of said friction surfaces together upon rotation of said shaft, a reservoir chamberextending radially from the axis of rotation of said shaft beyond the maximum radius of said pressurechamber and capable of receiving the liquid content of the latter chamber discharged therefrom to rotate with said pulley and capable ofbeing by centrifugal force, and liquid transfer means responsive to the speed of said shaft for delivering liquid fromsaid reservoir chamber to said pressure chamber upon the speed of said shaft rising to a predetermined value.

20. In combination, an electric motor'having a shaft, a friction clutch mounted on said shaft and comprising a centrifugal pressure chamber which is deformable to engage the clutch under the influence of centrifugal force acting on liquid contained in said chamber, a reservoir chamber rotatable'with said shaft, an extension of said shaft penetrating said reservoir chamber, a liquid transfer member journalled on said shaft extension for engaging liquid in said reservoir chamber, said member communicating with said pressure chamber, and means for restraining rotation of said transfer member.

21. A friction clutch comprising a rotary driving element, a rotary driven element, said elements having co-operating friction surfaces, a rotary pressure chamber of which at least a part of the boundary wall is constrained to rotate with said driving element and which is capable of deformation under the influence of centrifugal force acting on liquid contained therein to effect engagement of said friction surfaces together. a reservoir chamber constrained to rotate with said driving element, a leakage port for dis-, charging liquid under the influence of centrifugal force from said pressure chamberto said reservoir chamber, the effective area of said leakage port being adjustable, and means for transferring liquid from said reservoir chamber to said pressure chamber in response to rotation of said driving element.

22. A friction clutch comprising a rotary driving element, a rotary driven element, said elements having co-operating friction surfaces, a

n rotary pressure chamberof which at least a parts of the boundary is constrained. to rotate with said driving element and which is capable of deformation under the influence of centrifugal force acting on liquid contained therein to effect engagement of said friction surfaces together,

a reservoirchamber constrained to rotate with said driving element, a leakage port disposed in the neighbourhood of the periphery of said pressure chamber and leading to said reservoir chamher for discharging liquid thereto under the influence of centrifugal force, an inlet disposed in the neighbourhood of the radially inner part of said pressure chamber for admitting liquid there- I 'to, means responsive to rotation of said driving element constrained to rotate with but axially j displaceable relatively to said abutment, a driven part having a bearing'on said driving element, means for supplying lubricant to said bearing, co-operating friction surfaces on said driven part and said presser element, a resilientannular bag disposed between said abutment and said presser element for containing. liquid which serves under the influence of centrifugal force to displace said .presser element and thereby engage said friction surfaces, a shield interposed between said bag and said presser element and positioned to prevent excess lubricant that exudes from said'bearing from reaching said bag, and a duct formed at least in part radially in said driving element to discharge such excess lubricant. v

JOHANN NIKOLAUS KEEP. HAROLD SINCLAIR. 

